Is Frostpunk 2 Out?
As of now, Frostpunk 2 has not been released yet. The official release date is set for September 20, 2024, after being delayed from its original July 25, 2024 launch date.
If you're eager to get your hands on this highly anticipated sequel, you’ll need to mark your calendars for late September, when it will be available on PC platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.
Console players on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 will have to wait a bit longer, as the developers plan to launch the console versions sometime in 2025.
Why Was Frostpunk 2 Delayed?
Frostpunk 2's delay was primarily a result of feedback from the beta testing phase held earlier in 2024.
The development team at 11 Bit Studios decided to push back the release by two months to ensure they could address important gameplay issues and make necessary improvements based on the beta feedback.
During the beta, players highlighted areas that needed more refinement, especially around the city-building mechanics, UI adjustments, and balancing of the new faction system.
Aiming for a Polished Experience
The decision to delay Frostpunk 2 reflects 11 Bit Studios’ commitment to delivering a polished experience. As with any large-scale game, especially one that involves complex survival strategies and intricate social systems, the developers wanted to avoid the pitfalls of a rushed release.
They took the additional development time to fine-tune the game’s mechanics and ensure that the launch version would live up to players' expectations. The studio has emphasized that they don’t want to sacrifice quality just to meet the initial release date
What Is Frostpunk 2 About?
A Darker, More Complex World
Set 30 years after the events of the original game, Frostpunk 2 continues to explore themes of survival in a world gripped by a permanent ice age. But this time, the survival challenge extends beyond mere physical endurance.
Players will need to navigate the social and political dynamics of a growing city, where oil becomes the new lifeblood of the economy. The introduction of oil adds a layer of tension, as it sparks conflict among different factions within your city, each with their own vision for the future.
In the original Frostpunk, the focus was on survival by managing coal and maintaining the generator, a large machine that kept the city warm.
In Frostpunk 2, players will face new challenges tied to the exploitation of oil resources, dealing with moral dilemmas and factional conflicts that could either unite or tear the city apart.
Managing Larger Cities and Factions
One of the biggest changes in Frostpunk 2 is the larger scope of city-building. Players will have to manage much bigger urban areas, with new districts that serve specialized functions like industry, research, or housing.
The larger scale introduces more complexity in terms of managing resources, maintaining social order, and making tough political decisions.
Factions are another key addition. In this sequel, different groups within your city will push for competing agendas, and it’s up to you as the leader to balance their demands.
Some factions may prioritize rapid industrial expansion at the expense of environmental stability, while others may push for more egalitarian policies, focusing on social welfare over economic growth. The political tension between these groups creates a more dynamic and morally challenging experience.
Pre-orders and Editions
If you're interested in securing your copy of Frostpunk 2, pre-orders are already available on multiple platforms. The game will be available in both a Standard Edition and a Deluxe Edition.
The Deluxe Edition includes additional content such as a digital artbook, the game’s soundtrack, and three future DLCs.
One of the key perks of pre-ordering the Deluxe Edition is early access—players will get access to the game three days before its official release, starting on September 17, 2024.
What Platforms Will Frostpunk 2 Be On?
PC Release First
When Frostpunk 2 launches in September 2024, it will be available exclusively on PC platforms, including Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG. In addition to these storefronts, the game will also be part of PC Game Pass, meaning that subscribers can play it at no additional cost from day one.
If you're on a Windows PC, you're in luck—Frostpunk 2 will be widely accessible across several platforms.
Console Versions Coming Later
For console players, there’s good news, but also a bit of a wait. The developers have confirmed that Frostpunk 2 will be available on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, but those versions won’t release until sometime in 2025.
No exact date has been given for the console release, but this staggered approach allows 11 Bit Studios to focus on optimizing the game for PC first, before adapting it for consoles.
Early Access and Beta Testing
For those who can’t wait until the full release, there was already a beta testing phase in April 2024, which allowed select players to try out parts of the game, including the sandbox mode.
This beta was exclusive to players who pre-ordered the Deluxe Edition, giving them a chance to explore the mechanics of the game before its final launch. The early feedback from the beta was crucial in shaping the final stages of development.
In addition to the beta, early access for Deluxe Edition owners will begin on September 17, 2024—72 hours before the game’s official release. This is another incentive for those considering whether or not to upgrade to the Deluxe Edition.
Conclusion
To answer the question, Frostpunk 2 is not out yet, but it is set to launch on September 20, 2024, for PC players. The game promises to build on the intense survival mechanics of the original, with the added depth of managing political factions and larger cities.
If you’re a console player, you’ll need to wait until 2025 to experience the game on Xbox Series X|S or PlayStation 5. With pre-orders already available and early access for Deluxe Edition buyers beginning in mid-September, the countdown to release is officially underway.
